Hilde Cole

Hilde Hanisch Cole, 93, of Columbia, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Hilde was born on July 30, 1932 to the late Ernst and Hildegarde Rotter Hanisch in Tremesna, Czechoslovakia. She grew up during a time of hardship, living through German and Russian occupation of her country in World War II. It was during this time she learned resilience, a trait that her family would greatly admire. Hilde would eventually relocate to the United States with her husband, Harold Ligon Cole, where she would go on to start a family of her own. Her sons and grandchildren would come to know her as a storyteller, devoted mother and loving grandmother. She loved taking care of her family, and was always concerned with their needs above her own. Even through her bouts with cancer, which she beat multiple times, she never complained, demonstrating the quiet strength she carried.

Hilde is survived by her sons, Robert (Heidi) Cole and John Cole; grandchildren, Jessica (Tyler) Scott, Alex Cole and Matthew Cole; and siblings, Gretel, Liesel, and Ernst.

She is predeceased by her husband of over 50 years, Harold, and her siblings: Anny, Alois, Ellie, Maria, Joseph, Walter, Alfred, Adolf, and Peter.

A private inurnment will be held at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society.